Do you feel fuelled by coffee at times?

Our love of coffee and it’s ability to help busy mums cope with the demands of their little ones (and the sleep deprivation that can come in the first years of parenting) is well known!

But too much caffeine can cause anxiety, irritability and insomnia. This can leave you less capable of managing stress, and we all know that motherhood can be a little stressful at times.

Also if you are breastfeeding, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland advise that some caffeine can be transferred to breastmilk causing irritability and poor sleeping pattern in infants. They recommend a daily limit of 200mg-300mg of caffeine which is around the equivalent of two instant coffees.

As a guideline, here’s how much caffeine is in some of your favourite drinks and snacks:


One Mug of Instant Coffee : 78mg	One Mug of Filter Coffee : 111mg	One Mug of Tea : 44mg	Bottle (500ml) of Coca Cola : 48mg	One 50g Bar of Dark Chocolate : 31mg

So we’ve put together a few alternatives to coffee that will keep your fire burning!

	Ginger Tea The world’s favourite spice has a warming energy and has the added benefit of aiding digestion. Add hot water, leave to blend for a few minutes and enjoy a warming pick me up with loads of flavour.
	Whole Earth Wake Up Coffee This coffee alternative is made with guarana which has been used for thousands of years by the Amazon Indians for its natural energy boosting qualities. Guarana is traditionally grown in the rainforest of northern Brazil and its steady stimulation is a popular alternative to coffee.
	Water Fight fatigue with water. Fatigue is one of the first signs of dehydration so you drinking water and keeping well hydrated will help to keep your brain and body in balance. Drinking a glass of water can often be a pick me up.
	Banana Smoothie Bananas are known to give you a quick energy boost so blend a full one with half an an orange, a little yogurt, and milk and enjoy! You can also add your favourite red berries to flavour as required and to help you boost your fruit intake!
	Coconut Water Coconut water contains naturally occurring electrolytes – these are salts in the body that are needed for sending electrical impulses round the body. They’re lost when you become dehydrated – often during exercise or when you’re active. It’s a great drink to help keep you energised and hydrated.